Claudia Mennen

Claudia Mennen - Vermeule graduated in
Information Management (’96) and Accountancy (’99, post master). She started
her successful career at PwC and after positons at Dockwise and Green Gas
International was appointed Chief Financial Officer at BrandLoyalty in 2012.

"Set goals for yourself and grab the opportunities, be
ambitious! But don’t take yourself too serious, also enjoy life"

Why did you choose this
program? Why Tilburg University?

“With a technical high school profile, interest in
business and roots in Zeeland it was obvious to enroll in information
management or econometrics in either Rotterdam or Tilburg. Tilburg University
offered a full program in information management and the province of Brabant
appealed to me. It’s been my home ever since ……”

Who
was your favorite professor and why?

“With
Mr. Bijl, lecturer and my thesis advisor, I had a very personal connection. He
taught quality of information systems.
During the post master Accountancy Frank Hordijk was my favorite
professor, his lectures on administrative organization were very interesting.”

Can you share an interesting anecdote from your student days?

“My program was very student centered which meant
we worked a lot in study groups. “The bunker” in the A-building [now
Cobbenhagen building] was one of two places on campus where we spent a lot of
time. We went to the bunker for study groups and to the library to study. In
addition, I could be found at study association ISABEST, where I was chairman
and at Vidar, where I rowed in the club 8 and was tournament commissioner. With
a lot of pleasure I look back on fantastic student days.”

What has your career been like?

“I learned during my study that information
systems in itself didn’t fascinate me, I wanted to work with the numbers and
people behind the information systems. I continued studying in the post master
Accountancy and joined PwC in their international practice. I came in contact
with many companies and had a great time. Nonetheless I decided, after 10
years, not to enroll in the partner track but look for a positon where I would sit
at the helm myself. I found this at
Dockwise, a maritime company in transition from shipping to oil/gas and
therefore very dynamic. After the CFO left, I was offered the position
temporarily (because I was still very young). This position was very appealing
to me and I continued in this role, first at Green Gas and since 2012 at Brandloyalty.”

What
are your ambitions?

“The
financial position suits me well, but I also want to broaden my career. At BrandLoyalty
I’m commercially responsible for a number of countries, I like that very much.
In time I might aspire a CEO position. I’m also involved in organizations like
the “Stedelijk Museum”, AgriFood Capital and Van Lanschot where I can further
develop and deploy my skills and interests.”

What role did Tilburg University play in your life and how did it influence your career?

“Your student days are of course a time in which
you develop your personality and the study offers a solid foundation for your
professional life. Programming taught me logical and structural thinking which
benefits me on a daily basis. And not to forget, I met my husband Huub on
campus!”

Is
Tilburg University still a part of your
life and if so, in which way?

“I’m
still in touch with a number of fellow students and earlier this year BrandLoyalty became partner of the
Jheronimus Academy of Data Science, the new educational institute of Tilburg
University and others. Therefore the ties with the university have been
strengthened. It is great to be involved again.”

Advice for the students

“Set goals for yourself and grab the opportunities, be
ambitious! But don’t take yourself too serious, also enjoy life. You can learn
from role models, I have a lot of respect for Robert van der Wallen, founder of
BrandLoyalty. Personally, I hope I can be a role model for women. ”

Personal

Claudia
Mennen is married and mother of 12 year old twins. She lives in Den Bosch and
her job is her favorite hobby. Claudia likes to participate in sports to keep a
healthy mind and body and enjoys spending time with her family and
friends.